Two North Platte residents sentenced in Federal methamphetamine cases

Last week, the U.S. Attorney's office announced that two North Platte residents were sentenced in separate federal methamphetamine distribution cases, underscoring the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat drug trafficking in Nebraska.

Jessica Binegar, also known as "Jessica Keo," 38, was sentenced in Lincoln’s federal court to 43 months’ imprisonment for distributing five grams or more of methamphetamine. Following her prison term, she will serve a three-year supervised release period.

Binegar was implicated in an investigation initiated by the FBI and CODE Drug Task Force in 2021. In March 2022, a controlled buy involving a confidential informant (CI) linked Binegar to the distribution of 12.9 grams of meth, which was later confirmed by the Nebraska State Patrol Crime Lab to have 100% purity. Further controlled buys with Binegar solidified her involvement.

Joey G. Romero, 37, was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. After his release, he will serve a 5-year term of supervised release.

Romero’s conspiracy, which operated between July 2022 and February 2023, involved several individuals, including Jamie Hopkins, Michael Stroble, and Luke Schwartz. The group distributed pounds of methamphetamine in and around North Platte. Confidential informants facilitated multiple controlled buys during the investigation, including five purchases in July and August 2022 that involved 26 grams of meth and fentanyl-laced pills.

Schwartz and Hopkins were previously sentenced to 10 years each for their roles in the conspiracy. Stroble’s case is still pending, and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Both cases were investigated by the CODE Task Force, a coalition of law enforcement agencies across 22 counties in west-central and southwest Nebraska. Agencies involved include the North Platte Police Department, Dawson County Sheriff’s Office, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Nebraska State Patrol, FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

The sentences reflect the collaborative work of federal, state, and local agencies to address methamphetamine trafficking and protect Nebraska communities.